Iraqi man sentenced to life for trafficking fighters to Russia’s war in Ukraine

The Najaf Criminal Court in Iraq has sentenced a man to life in prison for trafficking people to fight for Russia in its war against Ukraine. According to the court, the man organized groups and sent them to the front lines in exchange for money.

Source AlJazeera

Officials identified the convicted man as Risan Falah Kamel, though no full indictment text has been released. The case highlights a broader issue, as thousands of foreign fighters from multiple countries have joined both Russian and Ukrainian forces.

Earlier in September, Iraq’s parliament acknowledged that Iraqi nationals were fighting alongside the Russian army and pledged to investigate. Local media reported that many Iraqis joined, either motivated by money or the hope of eventually reaching Europe through Russia.